Apparel Designer
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 depending on experience, plus benefits.
Hours per week: 37.5.
Location: Manchester city centre – hybrid working between office and home. Fourways | Manchester (https://fourwaysmcr.co.uk).
We’re looking for a talented and creative Apparel Designer to join our growing team and help accelerate business growth.
What you’ll do
* Lead the design process for assigned categories, from concept to final production.
* Work closely with our wider design and development team to ensure collections are cohesive across categories, and with our buying and merchandising team to keep products on schedule.
* Maintain an understanding of the design calendar, critical path, and range development deadlines.
* Assist with trend research, colour story development, fabric sourcing, and graphic and trim development.
* Support the creation and maintenance of tech packs and CADs under the guidance of our Head of Design across all categories.
* Support our Marketing team with wholesale catalogues and non‑technical product shoots.
* Organise and manage fabric swatches, trims, and sample archives.
* Help prepare mood boards, presentation materials, and resources for design meetings and fittings.
* Attend fittings and support the execution of samples through to production.
* Develop and present design concepts, technical specifications, and prototypes.
* Oversee the execution of design details, ensuring adherence to brand standards and quality requirements.
* Conduct market research and trend analysis to inform design direction and innovation.
* Stay current with industry trends, materials, and technologies related to technical, performance wear.
Required skills & experience
* Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field (desirable but not essential).
* Experience in apparel design, with a focus on technical and performance wear.
* Strong portfolio showcasing creative research, concept development, technical skills, and artistic flair.
* Excellent understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and performance technologies.
* Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
* Knowledge of 3D product creation software such as CLO3D and Adobe Substance; interest in AI platforms such as Midjourney is desirable.
* Excellent organisational and communication skills.
* The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
* Proactive problem‑solver with attention to detail and quality, able to remain flexible and agile when priorities shift.
* Commercially trend‑aware with a keen eye for fashion and technical apparel.
* Attention to detail, particularly in preparing accurate tech packs.
* Understanding of garment cost and commerciality.
* Team player, supporting and collaborating with other team members.
* Creative thinker, with the ability to think outside the box.
Why Levy Merchandising?
Levy Merchandising is the merchandising arm of Levy UK & Ireland, a market‑leader in sports and entertainment experiences with venues like the O2 Arena, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and the National Theatre. We design and manufacture a wide range of high‑performance apparel, fit for fans and athletes alike. We value innovation, partnership, and community impact.
Benefits
* Competitive salary.
* 31 days holiday including bank holidays (pro‑rata, rising with service).
* Pension scheme.
* Colleague health cash plan.
* Life assurance cover of 4× annual salary.
* Employee assistance programme – 24/7 confidential access to professional support.
* Discounts on SUDU and other Levy Merchandising products.
* Enhanced family leave and pay.
* Welcoming company culture with growth opportunities.
* Opportunities to be part of colleague networks.
Building an inclusive work environment
We’re actively building diverse teams and welcome applications from everyone. We take pride in fostering a culture that celebrates diversity and promotes inclusion. If we invite you to a recruitment process, we’ll ask whether you need reasonable adjustments to participate.
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